Timing Services FAQ

Event organizers

• Fast and accurate results
• High level service by providing net times and splits for every individual participant
• Split time services for press, TV and Internet
• Free flowing finish line (no chutes, less building up and taking down material)
• Check points along the course

• Fast and accurate results at each event
• Net times;the ChampionChip can register every individual start time, even when participants are at the back of the pack
• Split times, transition splits for triathlons, lap times
• Free flowing finish, no more restricted space at the finish
• A personal ChampionChip can be used all around the world in many sports like running, triathlon, cycling, mountain biking, in-line skating, cross-country skiing

A: A miniature transponder in a specially designed housing, marked with a unique identification number. The ChampionChip can be used under all weather conditions, wet, dry, cold and hot.

Q: HOW does the ChampionChip® work?

A: The transponder is inactive until moved into a magnetic field, generated by a send antenna mat. When the chip enters the magnetic field, the energizing coil produces an electric current to power the chip. The transponder then transmits its unique identification number to a receive antenna in a mat. The entire process takes approximately 60 milliseconds.

Q: DO I have to rent one?

A: We provide registered participants with a black rental at NO COST. It is to be worn and turned into race officials at the race site. In order to receive a finish time and/or to be eligible for an award you must wear the ChampionChip®.

Q: WHAT if I forget to return my rental ChampionChip® to a volunteer at the finish line?

A: You will be charged a $40.00 fee.

Q: WHAT is net time?

A: The amount of time from when one crosses the start mat until one crosses the finish mat.

Q: WHAT is official time (Gun Time)?

A: The amount of time from the sound of the air horn (gun) to when one crosses the finish mat.

Q: WHY don't you use net time?

A: USATF rule 165.16 covers the use of chip timing systems. The rule states that "times for other competitors will be adjusted, based on the official winning time." In other words, "chip" timing cannot be used for official time(s) nor records unless the "chip" time is properly adjusted (i.e. gun time).

Q: HOW long will my ChampionChip® last?

A: Forever

Q: CAN I use the Yellow ChampionChip® at other races?

A: Your personal (yellow) ChampionChip® can be used at any ChampionChip® timed sporting event worldwide. You need to inform the race management company that you own your own chip and provide them with the number by filling in the ChampionChip number on the entry form.

Q: WHY the ruling "No chip, no result!"?

A: Events using electronic timing systems such as ChampionChip® rely on these systems to get the complete results. If you’re not wearing a chip or if you have attached your chip incorrectly, your time will not be recorded and the event organizers cannot issue you with a result. If you lose your chip or you're not sure how to wear it correctly, you should contact the event organizers as soon as possible to fix the issue before the race.

Q: I lost my ChampionChip® but a friend of mine can't make it on race day, can't I just use his/her chip instead?

A: No, each ChampionChip® is unique and is linked to one individual participant. Using your friend's chip means that you will not have accurate results. You need to contact the event organizers to arrange a replacement of your chip which is linked to your personal information.

Q: WHERE do I get my chip? How do it return it?

A: Your chip is supplied to you for the event in your run packet - which you pick up at the runners expo - with your bib and T-shirt. Chips must be returned at the completion of the event. Our staff and volunteers will be in the finish chute collecting chips from the runners as they finish.

If you accidentally leave with your chip, or pick up your packet and not attend the event, please return the chip in a bubble envelope to:

Q: HOW do I wear the Chip?

A: In your run packet will be included a short plastic zip strip (like a twist tie) to attach the chip to your shoelaces. Other races use an ankle band with the chip mounted to it. Bear in mind: no chip, no time. Only athletes wearing a ChampionChip® will be timed. The reading distance of the ChampionChip® System is limited. The antennae are embedded in the red mats on the road. Therefore the chips should be located as close to the mats as possible - on the shoe of the participant.

Use the plastic strip to attach the chip to the bottom portion of your shoelaces (see photo).

It is important to use the strip as it is easier for the finish line crew to remove it when you finish. If you tie the Chip into your laces you will have to untie your shoe when you finish, or have your laces cut.

Q: WHAT is the Diffference between Chip Time & Gun Time?

Gun Time: The time from the sound of the starter's signal to the time when the runner crosses the finish line. Also know as the Official Time.
Real Time, Chip Time: The time from when the runner crosses the starting mats at the start line, to the time when the runner crosses the finishing mats.

Q: HOW are the winners determined?

A: Gun Time is the official time.

All awards are based on GUN TIME - the time from the start of the race (gun) to when you cross the finish line as per IAAF, Athletics Canada, USATF, AIMS and International Awards standards. Excerpt from the IAAF Road Race Handbook - Pg 196 RULE 240
Note: For road races and road walking events, the official time will be the time elapsed between the start gun and the athlete reaching the finish line. However, if an athlete crosses the start line after the start gun, his time elapsed between the start and finish line can be made known to the athlete but will not be considered as official time. The order in which athletes reach the finish line will be considered as the official finish position. 196 RULE 240

The Chip timing is provided for personal interest.

Q: WHY are official results based on gross time and not net time?

A: In most sports events the final results and places of the winners are based on the order in which they cross the finish line and not the actual time it takes them to get from the start to the finish. For example, take 2 runners taking part in the same event. One of them is at the front of the queue to the start line and crosses the start line at exactly 8:00:00 AM. The other one, at the back of the queue, crosses the start line at 8:00:30. The first one crosses the finish line at 9:00:00, completing the race in 60 minutes and the other finishes at 9:00:15. His gross time is 60:15 but his net time is 59:45, 15 seconds faster than the first runner. But as he crossed the finish line after the first runner he will be given second place (according to his gross time). ChampionChip will record both gross and net times but only the gross time will be taken into consideration for the official results, net times are used by individual runners to keep track of their performance.

Q: WHERE will the race results be posted:

A: Results will be posted at the race venue every 100 or so finishers. It's is important that you check your result on site to see if you have won an award and also that your information is correct. Immediately following the race, results are posted online in our results section.